Claire MacInnes
My expertise
I'm based in
London
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Hello, I’m Claire MacInnes – your trusted Travel Counsellor. I run my independent, tailor-made travel business in partnership with Travel Counsellors, which empowers me to offer you an exceptional, truly personal service. Every conversation, trip, and traveller matters deeply to me – it’s my business, my passion, and your journey.
With over 25 years’ experience across the travel industry, I bring an expert’s touch and a world of insight. My background includes roles as a tailor-made travel agent, Australia & New Zealand specialist, airline executive, and corporate account manager. After seven wonderful years living in New Zealand, I’m proud to be a New Zealand citizen, bringing you first-hand perspective and knowledge about this breath-taking country. I’ve also lived and worked in America and Australia, and my own travels have taken me throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and beyond.
Clients often ask me to name a favourite destination – an impossible question! New Zealand’s outstanding natural beauty will always hold a special place in my heart, Laos charmed me with its warmth, and wildlife encounters in Rwanda and China are unforgettable. From the serenity of Tibet to the luxurious hotels of Antigua, each experience shapes my love for travel and inspires me to share that joy with you.
Travel is both my passion and my profession. I’ve supported clients through global challenges, be it 9/11, volcanic ash clouds, health emergencies or airline disruptions. My clients always have someone reliable and accessible in their corner, offering genuine care and expert guidance when it matters most.
You deserve more than an algorithm or call centre. I’m here to deliver reassurance, bespoke recommendations, and true peace of mind – whether it’s sitting on hold for your refund, finding the best way home, or designing a holiday that’s uniquely yours.
I work from home and am always on hand, meaning you benefit from concierge-level service and personal care at every stage of your trip – before, during, and after you travel.
Ready for your next adventure or luxury escape? Allow me to take care of the details, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy. Contact me today to start planning your bespoke holiday story.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Exploring New Zealand by Motorhome: The Ultimate Road Trip
If you dream of waking up beside mirror-still lakes, drinking your morning coffee while looking out at snow-capped mountains, and deciding your plans for the day based on nothing more than “let’s see where the road goes”, then a motorhome holiday in New Zealand might be perfect for you.
16 Jan 2026 5 min read
Boutique River Cruising in France
I was lucky enough to join the S.S. Joie de Vivre in Paris for a mini cruise on the river Seine. Joie de Vivre means the “joy of living” and stepping onboard this luxurious ship you can see how it earned its name. The ship was extraordinary, elegant with handcrafted furniture, fine antiques, original artwork including a Picasso. I slept in a bed that cost $10,000! It was so comfortable I didn’t wa
04 Apr 2023 5 min read
Going Full Attenborough with the Rwandan Gorillas
One of my most memorable trips was visiting the gorillas in Rwanda, which I did as part of an overland trip with Dragoman. We had to hike for four hours into the mountains, but it was more than worth it. We even saw one of the remaining gorillas from Dian Fossey’s famous study. We also saw the only twin gorillas in existence at that time. It was truly a magical experience watching the youngsters r
19 Oct 2022 5 min read
Falling in Love with Australia: From Backpacker Trails to Luxury Escapes
I was 22 when I first went to Australia. Fresh out of university, I decided to take a year to explore the world before settling into a “real” job. Looking back, that decision changed the course of my life. I landed in Cairns, backpack on, heart racing, and absolutely no idea just how much this country would capture me. From there I made my way down the east coast to Brisbane, soaking up the tropi
06 Oct 2022 5 min read
New Zealand - I loved it so much I became a Kiwi!
New Zealand - I loved it so much I became a Kiwi! One of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited is New Zealand. In fact, I loved it so much I made it my home for over 7 years. I first travelled there in 1996, as part of a work trip. I was already an Australian travel specialist and I wanted to learn more about its neighbour. We landed in Christchurch on the South Island and I visited Dun
21 Sept 2022 5 min read
Honeymoon in the Amalfi Coast
I was lucky enough to honeymoon in the beautiful Amalfi Coast. We flew into Naples where I had the best pizza I’ve ever eaten and stayed one night. We then picked up our hire car, the stunning Fiat Barchetta and drove to Sorrento. Driving in Italy is not for the fainthearted, we saw a lot of chaotic driving, and banged up cars and vespas and that’s before we got to the road of a thousand bends
05 Oct 2021 5 min read
Antigua and Barbuda - A beach for every day of the year
Locals love to brag that Antigua is home to 365 beaches. That's a beach for every day of the year! A beach! Every day! Whilst I cannot confirm if there are indeed that many, the three different resorts I stayed at had the most amazing beaches: Carlise Bay, Blue Waters and Gally Bay. What is not open to debate is that a holiday in Antigua will provide pure relaxation and (what we ALL need) a change
26 Jun 2021 5 min read
Reviews
What my customers say
Videos
Discover the world with me
Galápagos cruise July 2026 £7,669
Galápagos cruise July 2026 from £7,669pp, incl Quito stay & 8-night MS Santa Cruz II voyage, save up to 30%
29 Jan 2026
Discover South Africa:
Discover South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route and Eastern Cape safari in one escorted 15 night journey from £4,499 per person
28 Jan 2026
Authentic Arizona ranch escape:
Authentic Arizona ranch escape: 7 nights Tanque Verde Ranch with breakfast, car hire & BA flights from London. From £2,099pp, 20 Sep 2026. Book by 30 Jan 2026.
26 Jan 2026
Uncover Mediterranean magic aboard Celebrity Xcel
Sail the Italian & French Riviera in style on brand-new Celebrity Xcel: Magic Carpet Sky Suite, gourmet dining and iconic ports from Barcelona to Naples.
23 Jan 2026
St Nicholas Bay Crete
St Nicholas Bay Crete. Sea-view escape from Gatwick: 7 nights in a Classic Junior Suite, half board, private transfers included. 5 May 2026, from £1,299pp.
22 Jan 2026
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Indulgent 7‑night escape at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai from £4,245pp. Private marina, beach, spa & fine dining. Message me to tailor your luxury stay.
21 Jan 2026
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Why use a Travel Counsellor
Let's plan your dream trip together
Tailor-made for you
Your holiday isn’t just a trip away. It’s a longed-for escape, time to reconnect with loved ones, or a dream adventure you never thought possible. That’s why I take the time to truly get to know you and understand your hopes and expectations, then use my experience, connections and passion for the destination to create a trip that makes those dreams a reality.
Personalised service. Always
When you plan a holiday with me, you’ll be given my personal mobile number from the very first call. I’ll listen to your thoughts and ideas like I would a friend and arrange accommodation, activities, and flights that are all personalised to you. And I’ll share my personal tips and recommendations, so you can experience the true beauty of each destination.
Stress-free travel, and more time for what matters most
I believe your time away should be stress-free, easy, and seamless from start to finish. So, I take care of all the details for you - from ATOL protection, insurance, and flexible payments to access to the myTC app, which keeps everything in one place.
Support when it matters most
If the unexpected happens, you can rest easy, knowing that I’ll handle any last-minute changes, flight cancellations, or disruptions before you even pick up the phone. So you always feel happy, carefree, and ready to make the most of every moment.
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